Runway Ready Fashion Competition

Aspiring designers got the chance to show of their design skills at the Runway Ready fashion challenge.

The competitors worked one-on-one with Zanesville's Nathaniel Paul who competed on the TV show, Project Runway. The contestants spent hours creating a one-of-a kind garment.

"Yesterday they had a 12-hour challenge to sew from 9 to 9, it was wonderful. I wanted it to be an excellent experience. I said, 'this isn't a reality show' I want you to have positivity about everything you do," said CEO of C.A.S.S. M.I.N.D. Academy, Cassandra McDonald.

There were three categories: beginning, intermediate and advanced and contestants were judged on inspiration, presentation and quality. Three winners were chosen from each category and won a trip to New York City.

"I'd like to thank the community one more time and just keep in mind that these are what initialize the kids. Our initiative is keep kids in school and so that is what our performance here, this whole thing is about. We're really excited about that. I use the analogy of a cup and maybe it's half full. So if you keep pouring good things then better things come out and that's what we're trying to do."

All of the proceeds from Runway Ready benefit C.A.S.S. M.I.N.D. Academy, a non-profit that focuses on business, art and music.